Anita and Me (OCR GCSE English Literature): Exam Questions

Exam code: J352

1 hour2 questions
1a
20 marks

Anita and Me by Meera Syal and Waterland by Graham Swift

Read the two extracts and then answer both part (a) and part (b).

Case Study

Text extract from "Anita and Me" by Meera Syal. Meena seeks help for Tracey, who fell in a pond. She knocks on a door, encounters a witch-like figure.

Case Study

Text excerpt from "Waterland" by Graham Swift describing a visit to Martha Clay, believed to be a witch, with vivid details of her appearance and setting.

You should spend about 45 minutes on part (a) and 30 minutes on part (b).

For part (a), you should focus only on the extracts here rather than referring to the rest of your studied text.

Compare how these two extracts present characters’ feelings about the people they want to help them. You should consider:

  • the situations and experiences faced by the characters

  • how the characters react to these situations and experiences

  • how the writers’ use of language and techniques creates effects.

1b
20 marks

Explore another moment in Anita and Me where Meena memorably describes someone.

2a
20 marks

Anita and Me by Meera Syal and The Woman Who Walked into Doors by Roddy Doyle

Read the two extracts below and then answer both part a) and part b).

Case Study

Text from "Anita and Me" by Meera Syal about Meena's 7th birthday, detailing an incident with a hot dog in the car, creating tension and amusement.

Case Study

Text extract from "The Woman Who Walked into Doors" by Roddy Doyle, describing Paula's childhood memories with her siblings and family environment.

You are advised to spend about 45 minutes on part a) and 30 minutes on part b).

For part a), you should focus only on the extracts here rather than referring to the rest of your studied text.

Compare how these two extracts present memories of early childhood. You should consider:

  • the situations and experiences faced by the characters

  • how the characters react to these situations and experiences

  • how the writers’ use of language and techniques creates effects

2b
20 marks

Explore another moment in Anita and Me where childhood is memorably described.